Dozens of international students across some of California’s most prestigious universities have had their visas abruptly revoked by the Trump administration, sparking confusion, fear, and condemnation from academic leaders.
The sweeping cancellations have impacted students at UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Irvine, and Stanford University. In many cases, the revocations came without warning or explanation, according to campus officials and student advocates.
At UCLA, at least nine international students were affected, according to a joint statement from faculty and student groups. The university did not confirm whether any of those students had been detained or removed by immigration authorities.
UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla reported that five students had their visas revoked unexpectedly. A sixth student was detained at the border, denied entry, and deported. “The federal government has not explained the reasons behind these terminations,” Khosla said in a campus-wide message. “The students have been notified and we are working directly with them to provide support.”
UC Berkeley officials confirmed six revoked visas—four involving current students and two recent graduates. A spokesperson described the situation as “fluid.”
At UC Davis, officials said the visas of seven students and five recent graduates were terminated, noting the numbers could rise. No detentions had occurred on campus, according to a university statement.
Though details remain scarce, a UC official speaking anonymously confirmed that UC Irvine was also impacted. Stanford University reported four students and two recent graduates lost their visas, without elaborating on circumstances or causes.
A broader statement from the University of California noted that “several” campuses had seen international students affected by what it called recent SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) terminations. “We continue to monitor and assess its implications for the UC community,” the statement read, stressing support for students while complying with state and federal laws.
The University of Southern California, which hosts more than 17,000 international students—the largest population in the state—declined to comment on whether its students were included in the sweep, citing privacy.
Nationwide, the Trump administration has moved to cancel student visas at other major universities, including Columbia, Cornell, George Washington, Tufts, and Ohio State, among others. Many of those actions reportedly targeted students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. The administration has accused some students of supporting Hamas, which is designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization, citing national security concerns.
However, a UC official stated the students affected at UC San Diego were not involved in any such activism. When asked whether the visa cancellations were tied to political protests, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said the agency would need to “look on a case by case basis.” She did not respond to requests for data specific to California.
Student leaders at UCLA issued a message of solidarity on Friday, assuring affected students of support: “To every international student reading this: You belong here. Your presence at UCLA makes this campus stronger, richer, and more beautiful,” wrote Undergraduate Student Association President Adam Tfayli and International Student Representative Syed Tamim Ahmad.
As uncertainty grows, California campuses are left in the dark about the motivations behind the visa revocations—and the future of those impacted.
